Gov. Murphy: NJ Coronavirus Deaths Near 2K, Easter Warning Issued

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy warned the public on Friday about holding public celebrations on Easter as the number of coronavirus-related deaths in New Jersey neared 2,000. He also paid tribute to several residents who passed away (you can watch it here, below).

Murphy announced on Friday that New Jersey has 3,627 new cases, raising the state's total to 54,588. He also said 233 more people died, raising New Jersey's number to 1,932.

Of those who died, 58 percent were male and 41 percent were female. Also, 1 percent were under 30 years old; 4 percent were 30 to 49; 17 percent were 50 to 64; 33 percent were 65 to 79; and 45 percent were over 80 years old.

Also, 48 percent had underlying conditions, Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said.

Murphy said people need to avoid having gatherings on Easter. He said New Jersey is making progress, and that needs to continue.

At this time of year, many New Jerseyans normally gather for Easter egg hunts and families. "We can't do any of that this year," he said. "We have to go to emails or Zoom."

Please take this to heart," he aid. "We all must work together."

Murphy said social distancing is working: Right now, two counties – Bergen and Salem – now have cases doubling at a rate of seven days or more. The rest of New Jersey is doubling between 3 and 5.

Just last week, some of those same counties had cases that were doubling every day or two.

"Please God, (let's hope) that it continues," he said.

Murphy said 7,570 are hospitalized with the coronavirus. Of those patients, 1,679 are in critical condition and 1,663 ventilators are in use. Murphy said he was pleased to see 682 were discharged on Friday.

Murphy also paid tribute to several residents who died:

Murphy signed an executive order establishing the process to provide temporary home confinement or grant parole for certain incarcerated individuals. People convicted of serious crimes would not eligible. Read more: More NJ Inmates To Be Released From Prison In Coronavirus: Murphy

The update comes as the number of cases continues to rise in New Jersey. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy, speaking during his Thursday press conference, showed how – and where - New Jersey is making real progress in slowing the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: Gov. Murphy: 'Real Progress' In NJ Coronavirus Crisis

Despite two days of outcry from residents after ordering all state and county parks to close in the ongoing outbreak of the new coronavirus, Murphy said the closures were a thought-out decision — and they will stay in place. Read more: Closing NJ Parks Amid Coronavirus Wasn't A Whim: Gov. Murphy

"America's most influential coronavirus model" predicts that the peak of coronavirus cases in NJ is close. It also estimated fatalities. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Peak Is Likely Soon, New Projection Shows

Watch Murphy here:

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Here's what else you should know:

• State health officials said they believe the virus is "community-spread" in New Jersey. "Community-spread indicates that the coronavirus is amongst us," Persichilli announced. Read more: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order, closing all non-essential business at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• On Monday, March 16, Murphy announced that all schools would close on Tuesday, March 17. Read more: NJ Schools Will Close Due To Coronavirus Outbreak: Gov. Murphy
• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy issued an executive order on Thursday, March 19 to ensure voters can exercise their right to vote without risking their health and safety. Read more: Coronavirus Alters NJ Election Procedure, Moves Election Dates
• The first person in New Jersey to die of the coronavirus was reported on Tuesday, March 10. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• State Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced on Saturday, March 14 that municipal court sessions will be suspended.
• The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said it's also closing temporarily. Read more: New Jersey MVC Shuts Down Because Of Coronavirus
• A new report from ProPublica says New Jersey hospitals would be hard pressed to meet demand – even in a best-case scenario – if the coronavirus outbreak surges. Read more: NJ Hospitals Lack Beds For Coronavirus Surge: Report
• Four members of the same New Jersey family died from the coronavirus, according to March 19 reports. Read more: 4 In Same Family, Including 3 In NJ, Die Of Coronavirus: Reports
• The deadline for Americans to file federal taxes was moved from April 15 to July 15, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin tweeted on Friday, March 20. Read more: Federal Tax Day Postponed To July 15 Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
• After two FEMA sites opened, officials said five more counties will be getting coronavirus testing sites. Read more: Coronavirus Drive-Through Testing Sites To Open In 5 NJ Counties

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses. This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.